First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Elaine Stritch, RIP

Hang in there with this behind the scenes look at Stephen Sondheim’s 1970 musical, Company, featuring the incomparable Elaine Strich. Broadway lights will be dimmed tomorrow in her honor. I was a huge fan.

“We Have a Liftoff”

45 years ago today, Neil Armstrong and Apollo 11 crew head out for their launch to the moon.
(AP Photo/file)

I’m in Love with my Auto Mechanic

Recently, the wood veneer covering my gear shift started cracking and the mechanic checked into the price of the repair. He was almost embarrassed to tell me that the part alone, called a gear shift selector, would cost $350. “That’s ridiculous,” he said. So the mechanic took the time to comb through auto sites to find something cheaper. His shop mostly services the neighborhood and I often pass it while walking the dog. We all wave hello.

9 Wrenches by Johanna Inman

Date Wear

The other day, I was talking to a friend of mine about an upcoming blind date. Somehow we got on the topic of wardrobe, and he chimed in, “don’t dress up. Just wear what you would when we go to the movies.” I followed his advice with jeans and a t-shirt. (Awesome jeans and t-shirt, I must say.) The date evoked no chemistry, but at least I was comfortable.

Photo by Craig Hickman

End of Week Zen

My father was my hero. A modest, gentle man, he took whatever life dished out with grace. On the occasions when I’m feeling angry about how life is treating me, I try to channel his spirit. He had a smile and a thank you, almost literally until his last breath. Who are your everyday heroes?

Illustration by Lisa Congdon

Summer in L.A.

Savoring every conflicted moment of it.

Painting by Bradley Hankey

Can Thrills Come Cheap?

It costs under $1 to take the Star Ferry in Hong Kong and it’s an exhilarating experience. What are your cheap thrills?

Image from Designcrush

What are you Reading?

Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon. And you?

Photo by Jonathan Whitfill

Making Passes with Glasses

A dear friend recently had lasik surgery. Before then, his Prada frames were a signature part of his look and it was disorienting the first few times I glimpsed him eyewear naked. It was like meeting someone new. I’ve often been drawn to men with glasses. Years ago, on a follow up to a blind date, a man I remembered as attractive, arrived at the restaurant with swollen, red eyes. When I asked him what happened, he admitted that in an effort to look his best, he swapped out glasses for contact lenses. Misguided, but sweet.

Illustration by Marc Johns

Poetry in Motion

Heading into this 3-day weekend, ballet class will be my anchor. The Santa Monica studio I attend closes only for Christmas and New Years, with holiday classes always packed. Every July 4th, our charismatic pianist (formerly from Ukraine) dresses in red, white and blue and plays “I Like to be in America.” You can’t beat the endorphins.

Ballerina on shipping containers in LeHavre by the street artist, JR.